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Pneumothorax

Definition

Pneumothorax is a condition in which air collects in the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This air pocket puts pressure on the lung and can collapse a portion of the lung.

Causes

The chest cavity is normally a sealed chamber. Air can leak into the chamber through damaged lung tissue, chest wall, or the diaphragm, a muscle that separates the abdominal and chest cavity. The air can eventually become large enough to collapse a section of lung.

Pneumothorax may be named according to its cause, for example:

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax—No known cause, but genetics may play a role.

Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax—Caused by air leaks from damaged lung tissue. Tissue is often weakened from lung disease or injury.

Tension pneumothorax—Caused by trauma to the lungs and/or chest cavity (ribs and muscles). This is the most serious type because it may affect the heart's ability to pump blood.

Catamenial pneumothorax (women only)—caused by small holes in the diaphragm muscle. Occurs within 72 hours of start or end of menstrual cycle and most often associated with endometriosis.

Risk Factors

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is more common in young men, generally from teenagers up to the age of 30. Other factors that may increase your chance of primary spontaneous pneumothorax include smoking or having a genetic abnormality.

If you have lung disease be aware of the symptoms associated with pneumothorax. Get help as soon as symptoms arise.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may be able to hear reduced or absent breath sounds on the affected side. The level of oxygen in your blood may be monitored with pulse oximetry.

Your doctor will also need images of your chest cavity, including your heart and lung. Images may be taken with:

Treatment

A small pneumothorax may resolve on its own or with oxygen therapy and observation. A larger pneumothorax and tension pneumothorax always require treatment. Treatment focuses on removing the air from the space so the lung can again expand to its full capacity.

You may also need treatment for health conditions that are causing the pneumothorax.

Removing Air

A needle may be inserted into the affected area. The excess air can be pulled out of the chest cavity through the needle.

Sometimes a chest tube will be placed in the chest. This tube will allow air to drain until it can be confirmed that the lung has fully expanded. It may take several days for this to occur.

Surgery

Surgery may be necessary for persistent air leaks or to prevent recurrence of some pneumothorax. Surgery may include:

Removal of weak spots in the lungs that are allowing air to leak out of the lungs

Closing the space between the lung and chest wall—called pleural abrasion or pleurodesis

Removing part or all of the lining that adheres to the chest wall—pleurectomy

Removing any lung lesions

Follow-up is an important part of any pneumthorax treatment plan. More than half of people with a pneumothorax have a recurrence.

Follow-up is an important part of any pneumthorax treatment plan. More than half of people with a pneumothorax have a recurrence.

Prevention

Prevention will depend on the cause. If you smoke, talk with your doctor about how you can quit.

Other steps to help reduce your risk include:

Wear a seatbelt when in a motor vehicle to help prevent accident-related chest trauma

If you have a history of pneumothorax, it is often recommended that you avoid scuba diving

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.